Migraines & headaches decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that a program of independent living services, including bathroom remodeling, is not necessary for the appellant's independence in daily living.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including acid reflux disease, paraspinal muscle spasms, lupus (fatigue), headaches, tinnitus, and a respiratory disability, all of which are claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right wrist, cervical spine, left hip, and lumbar spine disabilities are denied. The issues of service connection for headaches (secondary to a cervical spine disability) and temporomandibular joint disorder remain pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's hemorrhoids do not meet criteria for a compensable rating, and her cervical spine degenerative disc disease with residual headaches does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including residuals of a head injury and lumbar spine degenerative joint disease with foraminal stenosis, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The VA examiner concluded that there was no causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines have been rated at 30 percent, effective January 17, 2006. The Board found that the frequency and severity of his migraine attacks warranted this rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, back condition, and pinched nerve, neck are all granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a skull fracture and headaches, finding no evidence of current disabilities or residuals from the in-service injuries.

The Board found no evidence of any service-connected disabilities for the Veteran's claimed back, chest, neck, and headache conditions. The claims were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence to support a finding that these conditions were related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his active military service and have denied all of his claims.

The Veteran's GERD disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms. The Veteran's Migraine Headaches are also rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current headaches are likely caused by his in-service automobile accident, and thus grants service connection for headaches.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for headaches, thus denying the application.

The Veteran's residuals of head trauma with headaches, right shoulder disability, and cervical spine disability are currently rated at 30%, 20%, and 20% respectively. The appeals for higher ratings have been granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc and joint disease, including as due to service-connected cervical spine degenerative disc and joint disease, is rated at 10 percent since June 13, 2001. The Veteran's left knee disorder has been granted but no specific rating or effective date was provided.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic respiratory disorder related to active service or undiagnosed illness, and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, major depression, bilateral foot disorder, headache disorder, and heart disorder (atriial fibrillation) have been granted. The bilateral foot disorder claim is denied as not being related to service. The headaches are considered a pre-existing condition that was not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Lapeer Regional Hospital on June 6, 2006 were reimbursed due to the emergent nature of his condition and the unavailability of VA care.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for service-connected headaches is being remanded due to the need for an adequate examination and opinion regarding the severity of his headaches.

The Veteran's waiver claim is being remanded due to the need for a statement of the case addressing this issue and notification of appellate rights.